LAHORE: (APP) Hegemonic mindset of our neighbor is a national security threat to us: Naval Chief
We cannot be oblivious to threats to sovereignty and national security of the country as hegemonic and domineering mindset exists in our neighbourhood, chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah said.
He was addressing the convocation of 45th Pakistan Navy Staff Course here at Pakistan Navy War College (PNWC) on Friday.
Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah conferred Masters Degrees in War Studies (Maritime) to 50 graduates from Pakistan Navy, Pak Army, Pakistan Air Force and 18 officers from Allied countries including Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri-Lanka and Turkey.
Addressing the gathering, the naval chief highlighted that Pakistan's geographic location was of immense global interests.
"This is evident from the near permanent presence of Extra Regional Forces driven by economic and security interests. These and other stakeholders in larger Asia are turning towards sea and significant investments are being made towards strategic and conventional buildup of naval forces".
He further said that hegemonic and domineering mindset prevailed in the neighbourhood, adding "We cannot be oblivious to threats to our sovereignty and national security".
He emphasized that government was providing considerable resources despite budgetary constraints.
"It is our duty to optimize these resources to achieve desired effects to ensure formidable defence".
While advising the graduating officers, Admiral Zakaullah emphasized that an officer in the leadership position must be "effective decision maker" as one can neither afford indecision nor lack of judgment which are regressive for any organization, particularly for militaries.
"Make positive contributions to the decision making process by making best use of skills learnt during the course", he said.
The naval chief congratulated the graduating officers and acknowledged the resolve of PN War College and forthright support of National Defence University in undertaking all the activities of the course.
Earlier,in his welcome address, Commandant PN War College Rear Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi summarized the professional and academic activities in which the graduating officers were trained during the course.
He appreciated the presence of sizeable number of graduating allied officers, saying it signified the fraternal bonds between these countries and Pakistan and above all between our Navies.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of distinguished civilians, and senior officers of the Armed Forces of Pakistan.